Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Workforce Study

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are a critical part of the healthcare and public safety system across North Central Pennsylvania. Rural geography, an aging population, workforce shortages, declining volunteerism, training barriers, financial pressures, and extended transport times are creating growing challenges for EMS providers and the communities they serve. Workforce Solutions for North Central PA commissioned a comprehensive EMS study to assess current conditions across Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties and identify strategies to strengthen the region’s EMS system.

The study focuses on several key areas to support a stronger and more sustainable EMS system:

• Strengthen the EMS workforce – Improve recruitment and retention, expand career awareness, and develop clearer pathways into and through EMS careers.
  
  
• Improve training and career pathways – Increase access to EMT and paramedic training, strengthen partnerships with education and workforce providers, and explore apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities.
  
  
• Support financial and operational sustainability – Explore improved billing, shared services, sustainable funding strategies, and more efficient staffing and deployment models.
  
  
• Increase regional collaboration – Strengthen coordination among EMS agencies, counties, municipalities, healthcare providers, dispatch centers, training partners, and workforce development organizations.
  
  

The study also identifies opportunities to use existing workforce resources including PA CareerLink®, PA Six Careers, Registered Apprenticeship, and Incumbent Worker Training to support recruitment, training, retention, and advancement within the EMS workforce.

We invite you to explore the full study for detailed findings, regional data, and recommendations designed to support a more resilient and sustainable EMS system throughout North Central Pennsylvania.